Exam Week - The Week of Compassion & Tragedy

Montfort For Myanmar's Aid

12 May 2008

Morning prayer for the week was dedicated to the victims of Cyclone Nargis which hit Myanmar on May 2 and 3. Total death toll may be between 68,833 and 127,990. More than 100,000 may have died. Between 1.6 million to 2.5 million people are in urgent need of food, water and shelter. Only 270,000 have been reached so far.

Members of the Ecumenical Council led morning prayers for the week and shared about 'compassion' and 'charity', common denominators found in all religions. They also prayed for all who were suffering and lost loved ones in Myanmar
.
During the week, another earthquake hit Sichuan, China. The 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Wenchuan County, about 159 km northwest of the provincial capital of Chengdu, has severely affected an area of more than 100,000 square kilometers, according to the rescue headquarters. The confirmed death toll in Sichuan was 19,509 on 15 May, and more than 50,000 people were feared dead.

There was also some special pictures and information put out on the tragedies
outside the office. On 21st May, Wednesday, there will be a special collection for Myanmar and the Sichuan victims

Death of Former Montfort Boy (2005 Batch)

Montfort School also said prayers for one of our Montfort boys, Roslan Saharo, 18, who was just two months into his basic training. He was a police trainee and passed away on 16 May 2008 after collapsing during a 2.4km. A cheerful, helpful and good-natured student, he will be remembered by his form teacher, Ms Vivian Tan & those who taught him.

The Principal, Vice-Principals, Mr Faizan, Mr Vincent Loh and Ms Vivian Tan visited him to pay their final respects and to offer their condolences to the family.

On their own, more than 20 former Montfort boys had also gathered at the wake and funeral to give their final respects and to offer their condolences to the family. It was indicative of the class unity and special experience they shared with Roslan.

Straits Times Article

Police trainee, 18, dies 2 days after collapsing during run
By Esther Tan. 16 May 2008

A GROUP of 120 full-time police national servicemen set out on a 2.4km run early Tuesday morning around the parade square of the Home Team Academy.
But one of them never completed the run and was found lying unconscious in the camp in Old Choa Chu Kang Road.

Mr Roslan Saharo, 18, who was just two months into his basic training, would never wake up again.

After two days in a coma, his family decided yesterday morning to take him off life support.

Relatives said doctors told them he had heat stroke which caused multiple-organ failure and left him brain dead. An autopsy will be performed today to determine the cause of death.

Family members and relatives were devastated by his sudden death. 'He was such a lively and jovial boy. We will miss his laughter and never-ending smile,' said uncle Dzulkifli Wasnam, 33.

They are now trying to find out the circumstances of his death.

Two of his uncles said a police officer told them at the hospital that Mr Roslan was discovered missing from the group only after the run ended.

But last night, a police spokesman told The Straits Times an instructor had seen him 'stumble and fall' and he was given 'prompt medical attention'.

His brother, Mr Riduwan Saharo, who was a combat medic during his national service days, said there should have been a 'last man' at the back of the group to ensure no one lagged behind.

'Where was the last man when my brother fell?' asked the 26-year-old. 'And where was his buddy?'

Mr Roslan's family said he was healthy and active - he played floorball for Institute of Technical Education College Central.

But on Sunday, when he had to report back to camp, he was coughing badly and told his father he was ill, said his sister Rubiah Saharo, 29. She advised him to see a doctor, but he said he was rushing back to camp.

One of Mr Roslan's uncles said the police told them an instructor had asked the group before the run if anyone was not feeling well, but Mr Roslan did not speak up.

Police said they will render support and assistance to Mr Roslan's family.